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Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected Western security guarantees in Ukraine, declaring that any foreign troops stationed there—either during the ongoing war or after a potential ceasefire—would be treated as “legitimate targets” by Russia. His stark warning, delivered at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, escalates tensions surrounding the war and challenges Western efforts to bolster Kyiv’s defenses.
Western Security Proposal
Earlier this week, a coalition of 26 nations, led by France and the UK, pledged to deploy forces in Ukraine after a ceasefire. The proposed “reassurance force” would be tasked with preventing renewed Russian aggression, operating on land, at sea, and in the air. Western leaders described this step as essential to guarantee Ukraine’s long-term security and stability.
French President Emmanuel Macron said such commitments were designed to deter Moscow from reigniting hostilities, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the plan as a “historic breakthrough” in Ukraine’s defense strategy.
Putin’s Response: “Legitimate Targets”
Putin, however, dismissed these plans outright. He warned that the deployment of Western forces in Ukraine, even under the framework of peacekeeping, would cross a red line.
“If troops appear there, especially now during the fighting, they will be legitimate targets,” Putin said.
He argued that such foreign involvement would not contribute to peace but would instead heighten the risk of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO powers.
Ukraine and Western Reaction
Kyiv quickly pushed back against Putin’s remarks, emphasizing Ukraine’s right to decide its own security arrangements. The Ukrainian foreign ministry stated that Moscow had no authority to dictate which countries could or could not help protect Ukraine.
Western leaders, meanwhile, reiterated their commitment to supporting Kyiv, framing Putin’s threats as evidence of Russia’s unwillingness to pursue genuine peace.
Implications for Peace Talks
While Putin has occasionally hinted at openness to negotiations, his rejection of Western troop deployments underscores deep mistrust. He even suggested potential talks with Zelenskyy in Moscow—a proposal Ukraine dismissed as insincere, given Russia’s ongoing strikes against Ukrainian cities.
Analysts warn that this latest confrontation over peacekeeping forces highlights the fragility of the peace process. Any Western deployment, even symbolic, risks being perceived by Russia as a direct military escalation.
Outlook
As the war grinds on, the divide between Russia and the West over Ukraine’s future security grows sharper. While Ukraine and its allies seek firm guarantees, Russia insists foreign forces would prolong conflict rather than resolve it.
For now, Putin’s warning serves as a chilling reminder: any Western boots on Ukrainian soil could ignite a far broader and more dangerous confrontation.